Honouring those for their tireless efforts (7 photos)

Each year, the Seniors and Disabled Persons Advisory committee hosts a barbecue luncheon to recognize senior residents from the Central Algoma catchment area by his or her respective municipality.

This year marked its 25th anniversary.

The event has grown over the years from its original venue at the Dr. Harold S. Trefry Centre in Richards Landing to the Royal Canadian Legion, also in Richards Landing.

More than 100 residents enjoyed a barbecue made and served by volunteers.

Carol Hughes, MP for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing handed out scrolls on behalf of the federal government and the provincial government. Mike Mantha, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, was unable to attend.

Each year, municipal leaders from St. Joseph Island and the North Shore chose a resident(s) from their community recognizing their outstanding and tireless efforts.

Whether it's helping within their church community, children's activities or community activity, residents lend a hand without hesitation.

2019 Recipients

• MacDonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional: Nancy Johnson presented by Mayor Lynn Watson
• Tabutt and Tarbutt Additonal: Jack Perry, presented by acting Mayor, Len Smith
• Johnson Township: Patricia McKinnon, presented by community member, Arlene Hunter
• Hilton Beach: Laurel Hendrick, presented by deputy clerk, Paula Cormier
• St. Joseph Township: Ross and Joan Bishop, presented by Councillor Lorraine Aelick

Absent

• Hilton Township: Robert (Bob) Jerrard
• Jocelyn Township: Bernie and Jim Crosby

Also in attendance was Joyce Ervin, paramedic with the Algoma District Paramedic Services. Ervin was on hand to share the Community Paramedicine services.

Community Paramedicine is a concept within which paramedics use their traditional healthcare training and skills in a non-traditional community-based environment.

Paramedics like Ervin, perform non-emergent home visits and educational sessions and qualified paramedics work collaboratively with allied health professionals. The program is intended for patients with chronic conditions and empowers patients to manage their chronic condition.

The goal is to provide the right care at the right time and at the right place, resulting in healthier, happier residents who can remain living in their homes for longer periods. The service also gives the potential for decreased hospital admission or readmissions as well as decreased crisis events requiring the resident to call 911 for emergency help.

"I felt very privileged to team up with the Trefry Centre and join the event," Ervin said. 

A separate area was set up where residents could have their blood pressure, and Ervin could answer questions pertaining to the program and conversations about health.